Introduction

Sigma scored quite a bit of hit with its set of DN lenses which is probably not all that surprising given their compact size, low weight and - especially - the very attractive price point. Just recently we reviewed the 19mm f/2.8 EX DN and 30mm f/2.8 EX DN in their 'old' incarnations albeit the optical design remained unchanged in the current versions. This review covers the Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN which is a completely new design. As you surely have concluded from the paper-specs, it is a moderately fast tele prime lens. It is available both in Sony E and Micro-Four-Thirds mount. The reviewed version is compatible to the Sony NEX series - thus an APS-C mirrorless system - where the field-of-view is equivalent to 90mm on full format cameras.

While the Sigma lens is certainly still fairly compact it misses the mark for a "pancake" lens by a margin. The build quality is on a high level thanks to a tightly assembled combination of metal and plastic parts based on a metal mount and a smoothly operating focus ring. Just by watching the product images from a distance, you may wonder where to find the focus ring. However, it is really there where you expect it - it's the metal front portion of the lens. A downside of this 'polished' metal finish is certainly a vulnerability to scratches. Unfortunately, something "rattles" within the lens (in power off mode only) when "shaking" it a little - a characteristic that it also shares with its in-house cousin. Most likely it is the focusing mechanism. However, we didn't experience any negative side effect from this during shooting. The physical length of the lens stays the same during focusing.

Sigma introduced a new linear AF motor for the use on mirrorless systems. The AF is no speed king but basically noiseless. Manual focusing works "by wire" so you actually drive the AF motor by turning the focus ring. This works reasonably well but it may not be everybody's darling. A more negative aspect is the rather long minimum focus distance of 0.50m (1:7.2).